The conclusion of the summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska: “There is no understanding until one reaches one”

The high level meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin ended without a concrete agreement, although both parties described the discussions as productive and constructive.

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, meeting in Alaska/Photo: AFP

“There is progress. There is no understanding.” The shortest summary of Putin and Trump's press conference in Alaska. No one understood what it is, and the journalists were not allowed to ask questions, the Russian publication is also.

Speaking after the summit, Donald Trump said that there were “great progress”, but stressed that “There is no understanding until it helps.”

“I had an extremely productive meeting and agreed on many points“Said Trump. “We haven't got there yet, but I think we have high chances to succeed. ” He added that he intends to inform NATO leaders, as well as to Ukrainian president Volodimir Zelenski, about discussions.

For his part, Russian President Vladimir Putin described the meeting as “respectful, constructive and detailed”.

“Our negotiations were useful and took place in an atmosphere of mutual respect.”said the Kremlin leader at a common press conference.

Putin reiterated his appreciation for the invitation to participate in the summit hosted in Alaska, stressing that, despite the geographical distance, Russia and the US remain “close neighbors”.

Ukraine – central topic of discussions

The conflict in Ukraine was one of the dominant points of the agenda. Both leaders said that the security of Ukraine should be guaranteed.

“We are ready to work in this direction“Putin said. “I would like to hope that the agreement I reached will open the way to peace in Ukraine.”

Trump said he wants an armistice in Ukraine “right this week” and mentioned that the US will not impose import fees to Russia's commercial partners.

At the same time, the Russian leader said that in order to reach a lasting solution, it is necessary to eliminate the deep causes of the conflict.

“The situation in Ukraine is related to the fundamental threats to our security. It is essential that Russia's legitimate concerns are taken into account, to restore a fair security in Europe and in the world.”Putin said.

Putin proposes following discussions in Moscow

Vladimir Putin proposed that the next round of discussions take place in Moscow – a suggestion expressed in English. Donald Trump did not reject the idea, although he acknowledged that it could generate controversy.

“It's interesting … I'll note some ideas”Trump said. “I think it could happen.”

Tensioned relationships but opening for collaboration

Both leaders have recognized that bilateral relationships have been affected in recent years. Putin described the last four years without summit as “difficult” and noted that the relations between the two countries have reached the lowest level since the Cold War.

However, he stressed that Russia remains interested in cooperation with the United States, mentioning areas such as the technology and the Arctic region.

Putin also thanked for the “confidential tone” of Trump conversations, stressing that Russia is grateful for the attention paid to the memory of Soviet soldiers in Alaska.

“Positive” atmosphere and extended delegates

According to the Russian Tass agency, the direct discussions between the two leaders lasted about three hours – the longest such meeting between Trump and Putin.

The Russian delegation consisted of about 500 people, many of them representatives of the business environment, Trump said.

The Russian ambassador to Washington, Aleksander Darciev, described the atmosphere of the summit as “positive”, adding that both sides are interested in exceeding the “toxic heritage” left by the previous US administration.

The Kremlin leader hopes that Kiev and Europe will not create obstacles to progress

Putin said he hopes that Anchorage's discussions will be a reference point for a possible reconciliation between Moscow and Washington.

“We expect Kiev and European capitals to look at this process in a constructive way and not to prevent progress.”the Russian leader added, warning against the challenges and the “intrigues behind the scenes”.

Both leaders left the press conference without answering the journalists' questions.

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Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Alaska Photo Profimedia